Subscribers Will Have Continued Access To Library Of GamesUpdated 10:08pm CT

Kotaku got word back from Nintendo regarding the classic games:

Nintendo confirmed that this monthly plan has indeed changed, telling Kotaku: “Nintendo Switch Online subscribers will have ongoing access to a library of classic games with added online play. Users can play as many of the games as they want, as often as they like, as long as they have an active subscription.”

Nintendo adds: “Nintendo Switch Online subscribers will be able to play a wide variety of classic games, including Super Mario Bros. 3, Balloon Fight and Dr. Mario. More games will be announced at a later date. At launch the classic game library will include NES games. Super NES games continue to be under consideration, but we have nothing further to announce at this time.”

It remains to be seen whether this classic service will replace Nintendo’s traditional Virtual Console, which allowed fans to buy old games on 3DS, Wii, and Wii U. When asked about the Virtual Console’s future, Nintendo offered: “We have nothing to announce on this topic.”

New information has been posted to Nintendo of America’s site regarding Nintendo Switch Online plans. The new paid plan had previously been scheduled to arrive in the fall of this year, but that has been pushed back to a nebulous 2018 date. Instead, the online service will remain free until the paid service kicks in.

We learned how much the Nintendo Switch Online will cost once full service begins next year. Users will have the option to buy one month for $3.99, three months for $7.99 and an entire year for $19.99. This is drastically cheaper than the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 online services, which have a $59.99 yearly fee attached to them. Of course, those services provide a lot of benefits, many of which could be absent with Nintendo’s.

It also appears Nintendo has changed its mind regarding how it will distribute its free digital games. Originally they had said that “Subscribers will get to download and play a Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) or Super Nintendo Entertainment System (Super NES) game (with newly-added online play) for free for a month. The wording led many to believe that each game would only be free for a month, with a new one rotating in.

Now Nintendo is calling this part of the service the Classic Game Selection (name subject to change). They now state that “Subscribers will get to download a compilation of classic titles with added online play, such as Super Mario Bros. 3, Balloon Fight, and Dr. Mario.” Nintendo’s Twitter account further clarified, “Nintendo Switch Online includes ongoing access to a library of classic games you can take anywhere!” This makes it seem like perhaps multiple games will be made available simultaneously and as long as you have your subscription you’ll have access to them. Or, perhaps they’ll treat it like Netflix does, where all of the items are accessible, but some will rotate out of circulation as new ones are added. Obviously the terms seem very ambiguous and we’re still not sure exactly how this part of the service will work. One other thing that sort of boggles the mind: why pick Super Mario Bros. 3 as a game to take online? The game features alternating play. Unless Nintendo is completely revamping it to support two at once?

Below is a chart that explains the benefits you get as a subscriber versus a non-subscriber. Again, these will kick in when the paid service begins sometime in 2018.

In 2018, Nintendo will launch a paid service called Nintendo Switch Online, which allows Nintendo Switch owners to enjoy online multiplayer gaming as well as a dedicated mobile app that connects to the Nintendo Switch console. This app will help players chat with their friends during online matches in compatible games, set play appointments, and invite their friends to join them online.

Please note that online play will continue to be free for Nintendo Account holders until the paid service launches in 2018.

Additional benefits include:

Classic Game Selection* access – Subscribers will get to download a compilation of classic titles with added online play, such as Super Mario Bros. 3, Balloon Fight, and Dr. Mario.

Nintendo eShop Deals – Special offers that may include discounts on select digital games and content.

Pricing:

1-month membership: $3.99

3-month membership: $7.99

12-month membership: $19.99

A free, limited version of the mobile app will also be available summer 2017 if you want to try it out until the service launches. We’ll provide more details when they are available!

* Product name subject to change.

A Nintendo Account is required to access online services, and internet is required for online play. Compatible smart device required to use app, data charges may apply. Subscription terms for the Nintendo Switch Online service will apply and be made available prior to purchase.

Currently, the paid online service will be available for customers in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. For the latest list of countries, please contact Customer Support. Prices are listed in U.S. dollars and do not include tax. Pricing for additional countries, as well as details of the subscription terms, will be available closer to the launch of the service.

Craig has been covering the video game industry since 1995. His work has been published across a wide spectrum of media sites. He’s currently the Editor-In-Chief of Nintendo Times and contributes to Gaming Age.

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Craig Majaski

Craig has been covering the video game industry since 1995. His work has been published across a wide spectrum of media sites. He's currently the Editor-In-Chief of Nintendo Times and contributes to Gaming Age.